Artist Navid Ghedami didn't win the gold from the California Building Industry - though he probably traveled farther than anyone else trying to do so.

It might also be because the association's categories for the Golden Nugget awards, honoring achievements in architectural design and land-use planning, don't yet have a place for an artist who has created the exterior wrought-iron decoration for an assisted living center on El Camino Real in Sunnyvale.

Ghedami, a Houston artist, took a lesson in California history to find the theme for his wrought-iron finish to the 150-unit Belmont Village center.

"This project has been a passion for me, from the research to the final installation," Ghedami explained. Last year, he flew to the Bay Area from Texas with cut glass insets and installed them in the wrought-iron work on the center's balconies.

"I spent 27 days traveling thousands of miles in California. I went to the sites of all 21 missions, took more than 2,000 photographs and tried to envision a separate theme for each of the 21 works in wrought iron."

Ghedami was hired by Patricia Will, president of Belmont Corp., a Houston developer of assisted living centers. Belmont Village in Sunnyvale is the firm's fifth center in California.

Ghedami's work was Belmont's response to the Sunnyvale Public Arts Committee requirement that public art be an integral part of any commercial development along El Camino Real.

Ghedami's ornamental work used iron and the mission theme.

"Key to the architectural design at the Sunnyvale property was that we incorporated three stories facing El Camino Real and four stories behind a central courtyard," said Will. "This reduces the impact on a busy commercial corridor.

"We also installed public art as a part of the building design and not as a free-standing element. They are the perfect complement to the building's Mission-style architecture." The building is at 1039 E. El Camino Real.

While Belmont's entry for Golden Nugget honors didn't reach the finals, plenty of glitter did fall on winners from the Bay Area and Northern California. Here are the top awards, announced last month, with accompanying assessments by the judges: .

"The entrant describes this full-service executive hotel as one of 'warm minimalism,' and the shoe fits. Austere forms take warmth from a soft palette of neutrals, and the indoor/outdoor focus offers a delightful sense of open and airy function throughout. The materials are thoughtfully selected and refined, and the entire design is well unified, not just on its own, but also in conjunction with a surrounding historic plaza." .

"Saved by Mayor Ron Gonzales shortly before the demolition ball was set to smash, the Jose Theater rehab shows an amazing labor of love, patience and skill. The circa 1904 building had endured several bouts of 'remodeling,' and restoration included a very complex series of steps that included stabilizing a crumbling structure and finding a proper 'period of significance' from which decisions could be drawn." .

"These apartments for teachers form an intimately scaled central green terminated by a charming commons building that is the perfect gathering place for residents. The project provides desirable affordable housing in a high- cost market for young public school teachers without access to quality housing. " .

"What a great solution to a downtown urban location utilizing a variety of housing types (stacked flats, row townhomes and work-live lofts) within one community. The architectural elevations capture the essence of downtown living with a contemporary flair." .

"A vibrant street scene where living can be exciting and entertaining. A 'happening place' to come home to in the inner city. This wonderful pedestrian- oriented project is a place where you can leave the automobile home and walk to your favorite diner, market or club." .

"The challenge and the triumph at this site was creating and blending a diversified mix of street-friendly homes in a range of densities from nine to 45 units to the acre, within a fabric of this urban infill location. Three builders collaborated to break with industry tradition of segregating neighborhoods and mixed-product types to create the rich texture of small towns that evolved over time." .

"An exceptionally functional and romantic 6,775-square-foot luxury home that incorporates something for every generation and truly flexes as an owner's needs change over time. Form, function and surprise culminate with examples such as an exterior stair leading to an incredible living suite." .

"The vertical and horizontal articulation gave each unit its separate identity. The variety of roof lines and forms helped create a presentation of scale to the landscaped walkways. The judges could foresee a vibrant and interactive neighborhood emerging in the common garden areas." .

"This building sets a new standard for not only public but also private construction and addresses three elements essential to sustainability: energy efficiency, resource efficiency and a healthy indoor environment. A building management system, highly efficient lighting and electrical systems, and a comprehensive building commissioning resulted in a building that is 43 percent more efficient than the minimum required by the California energy code."